R de Rieussec - Bordeaux blanc 2022
2*Étoiles
Hachette
92/100
Decanter
"This lovely, mineral-driven white wine has a new, modern label!"
"A blend of Sauvignon Blanc (55%) and Sémillon, partially aged in barrels—a quarter of which are new—this beautiful white wine reveals a distinct mineral character with a hint of shellfish upon opening, complemented by delicate floral notes. The fresh, citrus-driven attack, the beautiful development on the palate—balancing tension and roundness—and the finish with lovely bitter notes come together to create a complete, energetic, and balanced wine, underpinned by a great mineral and chalky character.” (Guide Hachette - 2025 Edition)
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Nose
Notes of thyme, lemon, and green citrus (kaffir lime and lime)
Palate
A slightly smoky and vanilla-like profile with a fresh, vegetal note. A lively, fresh attack with a very mineral and chalky character. The palate is clean and lively, with a hint of toast, and a salty finish prolonged by a gentle grapefruit bitterness
Serve
At 10-12°C
Open
30 minutes before
Drink from
2025
Drink before
2032
Food and wine pairings
Serve with sea bream tartare, baked oysters, cod en papillote with vegetables...
Bettane & Desseauve
Rated estate (2021 guide): 4* Stars (Producers of the very highest quality, the pride of French viticulture)
About the estate:
Rieussec, one of the jewels of the Rothschild estates, sometimes suffers unfairly from its distribution policy, which overshadows the nobility of its terroir—adjacent to Yquem—and the perfectionism of its production. The wine impresses with its power and richness without lacking freshness, thanks to exemplary technical mastery in bottling. The remarkable aging of the 1988, 1989, and 1990 vintages should silence any criticism. The second wine, Carmes, avoids any pretentiousness and offers all the richness expected from this type of soil, with a faster development in the bottle.
Decanter
Wine rated (2023 guide) 92/100
About the wine:
Lively, tangy, vibrant, and energetic. It retains a sense of serenity and gravitas. The brightness softens fairly quickly, giving way to a fresher, creamier, and saltier note, along with a certain flinty minerality on the finish. I love the initial brightness and the intensity of the apple, lemon, peach, and apricot before it narrows down to a long finish. 2025–2032
Guide Hachette des vins
Rated wine (2025 guide): 2 stars (Outstanding wine)
Rated estate (2020 guide) Award-winning wines (This producer’s wines regularly receive awards from the guide)
About the wine:
A blend of Sauvignon Blanc (55%) and Sémillon, partially aged in barrels—a quarter of which are new—this exquisite white wine reveals a distinct mineral character with a hint of shellfish upon opening, complemented by delicate floral notes. The fresh, citrus-driven attack, the beautiful development on the palate—balancing tension and roundness—and the finish with lovely bitter notes come together to create a complete, energetic, and balanced wine, underpinned by a strong mineral and chalky character. 2026–2032
About the estate:
Formerly part of the Carmelite convent of Langon, Château Rieussec is situated on a hilltop west of the town of Fargues, of which it is the sole Premier Cru. Its square tower overlooks a gravelly hilltop situated at the same elevation as its immediate neighbor, Yquem. Its well-established reputation earned it the status of First Growth in 1855. Numerous owners succeeded one another at its helm until 1984, when it was purchased by Domaines Barons de Rothschild (Lafite in Pauillac). This acquisition brought significant technical, financial, and human resources to this vast 90-hectare estate, 72 hectares of which are vineyards.
Robert Parker - Wine Advocate
Rated estate (2021 guide) Recommended (Wine producer recommended by Robert Parker - The Wine Advocate)
About the estate:
RVF - La Revue du Vin de France / Guide des Meilleurs Vins de France
Rated estate (2021 guide) 1*Star (Up-and-coming stars or quality winemakers producing wines of a high standard—you won’t be disappointed when tasting the wines from these estates)
About the estate:
A Premier Cru Classé located in the commune of Fargues, Rieussec has always displayed a distinctive character, with wines that are at times remarkably powerful and rich in sweetness. When the wines are young, the noble rot imparts aromas that are slightly less refined than elsewhere, but aging compensates for this shortcoming with lovely, sweet flavors. While Rieussec may have disappointed in high-yield vintages, the quality has been restored in more recent vintages. The 2013 and 2015 vintages vigorously express a fresher, more delicate style. A development worth watching closely.
Customer rating
4/5
based on 1 review
Review by Mr. AURELIEN B. Posted on September 13, 2025
See all reviews from this customer
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